Wolfpack first to tender Kinston’s super sophomore

By Ryan Herman / Sports Editor

Published: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 11:29 PM.

While Ingram has no plans of making any sort of decision regarding his future any time soon, the fact N.C. State was the first with an offer on the table impressed the sophomore, who also has interest from UNC and Wake Forest.

Ultimately, Ingram wants to play for a program steeped in tradition.

“They were the first,” Ingram said. “I’m just going to wait on it and see what other teams (offer) and see how their pasts have been and how their schools have been and what roles I can fit into there.”

Kinston head coach Perry Tyndall is happy for his standout sophomore, and figures the offer from N.C. State is the first of more to come.

“Brandon’s recruitment is just heating up,” Tyndall said. “I’m happy for him and that first offer, but I don’t think it will be his last.”

Even with a scholarship on the table and a future playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference coming about on Tuesday, Ingram’s mind is solely on the present.

His top-ranked Vikings team hosts Pittsboro Northwood for a NCHSAA state 2A second round playoff game at 7:30 tonight.

Gottfried was the first high-profile coach to attend one of Ingram’s games when he showed up to see him play against South Lenoir on Nov. 27, and Wolfpack assistants and scouts have attended several more of Ingram’s games this season.

While Ingram has no plans of making any sort of decision regarding his future any time soon, the fact N.C. State was the first with an offer on the table impressed the sophomore, who also has interest from UNC and Wake Forest.

Ultimately, Ingram wants to play for a program steeped in tradition.

“They were the first,” Ingram said. “I’m just going to wait on it and see what other teams (offer) and see how their pasts have been and how their schools have been and what roles I can fit into there.”

Kinston head coach Perry Tyndall is happy for his standout sophomore, and figures the offer from N.C. State is the first of more to come.

“Brandon’s recruitment is just heating up,” Tyndall said. “I’m happy for him and that first offer, but I don’t think it will be his last.”

Even with a scholarship on the table and a future playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference coming about on Tuesday, Ingram’s mind is solely on the present.

His top-ranked Vikings team hosts Pittsboro Northwood for a NCHSAA state 2A second round playoff game at 7:30 tonight.

“It’s all great and I like it, but it’s still — I have to put it away because we’ve got to take care of business tomorrow on the court,” Ingram said, “and I’ve just got to keep my mind on that game and worry about (the offer) later.”

Ryan Herman can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Ryan.Herman@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter: @KFPSports.